Final answer:
The Allies had to retreat across the English Channel from Dunkirk, a coastal town in France, during the Dunkirk Evacuation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Allies had to retreat across the English Channel from the coastal town of Dunkirk in France.
Step 1: Background information
In late May, over 300,000 British and French soldiers were pinned down on the coast of the English Channel near Dunkirk while retreating from the Germans. They were at risk of being surrounded by German forces.
Step 2: Dunkirk Evacuation
A flotilla of navy and fishing vessels managed to evacuate the soldiers and bring them back to England. The British Royal Air Force provided air cover to protect them from the German Luftwaffe.
Step 3: Importance of the Dunkirk Evacuation
The Dunkirk Evacuation was considered a success by the Allies at the time. It allowed a large portion of the British and French armies to escape and avoid surrender or annihilation. However, it was also a reminder that successful retreats alone would not win wars.